Goblin Valley State Park - Green River, UT

Goblin Valley State Park and its surroundings were very picturesque with the landscape relentlessly shaped by the natural elements. Even during the short drive from the highway to the park, I stopped and pulled over many times to study the desert features.

Desert Landscape

Temple Mountain

Butte at Sunrise

Butte from a Different Perspective & Later in the Day

Valley of Goblins

In this place where they filmed scenes for several movies including Galaxy Quest and City Slickers 2, I was able to hike amid countless rock formations within a valley ringed by natural towers.

Valley of the Goblins

Closer View of the Valley

Down on the Valley Floor

There was no set trail, so I went in a general loop within the valley and took detours among the goblin hoodoos and let my imagination flow.

Sacks of Gold

Strawberry Shortcake

Sailing Ship

Gateway

Gearshift

Near the valley's edges, I studied the walls wherever something looked interesting or promising.

Mother Nature's Intricate Designs

Medieval Castle

Morphing from Red to White

Inspiration for Gaudi?

Blanketed in Cobwebs

Carmel Canyon

While I quickly understood where the canyon got its name, its color and design weren't initially the focal point of the hike for me.

About to Enter Caramel Canyon

Caramel Canyon from Above

Crusty Curves

Stripes Look Painted On

Instead, my eyes turned to the large rock formations standing at different places near the canyon's rim.

Three Sisters
(its actual name)

Dancers from Lord of the Dance

 However, the canyon did get my attention when it narrowed to the point that it transitioned into a slot canyon. Within the slot canyon were 3 ledges, each 3 to 4 feet high. With 2 of the 3, I had to take an extra minute to decide where to place my hands and feet in order to leverage and lift myself in order to scramble up and over them.

Canyon Narrows

Time to Scramble Up

End of the Slot Canyon
(Where I Just Climbed Out)